Leo and Lord Grégory traded places so Leo was facing the circle.
With a bow to Leo, Lord Grégory said, “The Aromatic Court accepts your reign. The Lafleur family serves at your pleasure.”
Lord Grégory stepped back into the circle, and Lord Robert took his place in front of Leo.
Lord Robert bowed and said, “The Taste Court accepts your reign. The Barbeau family serves at your pleasure.”
Lord Robert returned to the circle and Lord Stuart stepped forward to bow. “The Auditory Court accepts your reign. The Fontaine family serves at your pleasure.”
Then it was Lord Nicolas’s turn. “The Vision Court accepts your reign. The Auclair family serves at your pleasure.”
Damien was next to bow. “Your Majesty.”
Commander Magalie bowed and said, “The Royal Guard is at your service.”
General Savatier bowed and said, “The Royal Army is at your service.”
Evelyn curtsied. “Your Majesty.”
Her eyes locked with Leo’s. She couldn’t read his face. He could be telling her to run or begging to kiss her. The moment only lasted for a second before reality came back.
Hannah repeated the same simple curtsy. A familiar stab of jealousy shot through Evelyn when Leo smiled kindly at her sister.
I shouldn’t be thinking about that right now. I’m here to support Leo as the new king.
King Tristan shook Leo’s hand. “The Kingdom of Carrowmore is your ally. The Connollys are your friends. Congratulations, King Alexander.”
Never hadcongratulationsfelt so much like an apology.
Queen Camille stumbled in front of Leo. “My baby! It wasn’t meant to be you! It wasn’t supposed to be like this!”
His mother’s words hit Leo like a cannonball against a window. Evelyn could practically hear his heart shatter over the sound of the queen’s wails.
Damien broke rank first, rushing to the queen’s side and putting an arm around her. He led Queen Camille out of the circle and took her upstairs.
Leo turned and fled out the back doors. He stormed past the guards and flung his new crown toward the garden. Evelyn lurched forward, intending to follow him, but her father caught her by the shoulder.
“Let him go,” King Tristan said quietly.
“Shouldn’t we do something?” Hannah asked nervously.
“We can’t help him,” their father said. “We can only give him space and time to scream at the ocean.”
Lord Nicolas appeared at Evelyn’s side. “Every date in our history books is someone’s nightmare. Today is no different.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Lord Robert said.
“Of course you will,” Lord Grégory quipped.
Bottles of wine arrived unnaturally fast. Evelyn accepted a glass from Lord Nicolas before he started talking to Magalie.Lord Robert tried to offer Hannah wine, but King Tristan put a stop to that.
What a scandal it would be if perfect, sweet, innocent Hannah got tipsy.
Lord Stuart sidled up to Evelyn. “It’s nice of your family to join us today.”
“I’m not sure why we would skip this when we’re already here,” Evelyn said dryly.
“Princes are usually married before they become kings. At least this way the future queen was able to see the coronation.”
